Personalizing a Tutoring Session

Purpose: Personalized tutoring maximizes student growth by targeting specific learning needs. Using quantitative and qualitative data, tutors can identify skill gaps, adjust instruction in real-time, and improve engagement, confidence, and academic performance. This section provides a framework for effectively using student data to refine tutoring strategies.

Key Data Sources

Tutors rely on Mastery Data to track student understanding and tailor instruction. Key sources include:

  • Exit Tickets: End-of-session assessments measuring mastery of daily learning goals.
  • Student Work: Assignments and tutoring activities that reveal patterns in thinking and conceptual understanding.
  • Blended Learning Software: Digital platforms providing real-time data on performance and misconceptions.
  • Standardized Assessments: Identifies mastered skills and areas needing remediation or acceleration.

Using Mastery Data to Adjust Instruction Steps

  • Identify the Learning Barrier: Analyze assessment data to determine if the issue stems from lack of practice, missing prerequisite skills, misconceptions, or execution errors.
  • Customize Support: Use targeted interventions to adjust instruction, reinforce skills, or reteach concepts.
  • Monitor & Reassess: Use follow-up assessments to measure progress and refine instruction accordingly.
Addressing Learning Barriers in Real-Time
ObservationRoot CauseInstructional Response
  • Struggles to apply a new skill despite prior knowledge
Insufficient or misaligned practiceReview past practice, increase opportunities for application, and provide real-time feedback.
  • Lacks foundational skills needed for new material
Prior knowledge gapsRe-teach prerequisite concepts and reinforce skills before introducing new content.
  • Follows logical reasoning but arrives at incorrect conclusions
Common misconceptionsUse error analysis, clarify misunderstandings, and provide targeted practice.
  • Makes minor mistakes despite understanding the concept
Precision/ execution errorsIncrease rigor to prevent carelessness and incorporate error correction exercises.
  • Mistakes are unexpected or unfamiliar
Uncommon misunderstandingAsk open-ended questions to clarify thinking and re-teach using a different approach.